Using the VPN for Accessing the Library Databases

The campus Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an alternative to the proxy server. You will need to download the VPN client software and install it on your computer.

Once you have downloaded, installed, and configured the client, you can sign in to the VPN and will be given a UCSB IP address for the duration of your VPN session.

You can then open a web browser and use any of our subscription electronic resources.

The VPN will also provide authentication for databases that require proprietary software to use. These software packages will not work with the proxy server. Examples of these software packages include SciFinder Scholar, databases that use the Insight Client software, and EndNote.

Set-Up Instructions

Download the client software.

Be sure to follow all the instructions for installation. If you do not do it correctly, the VPN will not work.

Leave the client in "full-tunnel" mode, which is the default setting. Otherwise, it will not work with the library databases.